Steve Carson's 'Outdoors': Many new rules for fishing in California

The first of March saw many new fishing regulations go into effect in California, including several that local anglers need to be aware of.

Perhaps most notable is that it is now illegal to fillet salmon or steelhead on the river, boat ramp or shoreline. Filleting must be delayed until the angler reaches their permanent residence, a commercial preparation facility, or the fish are being prepared for immediate consumption. All steelhead and salmon must remain in such condition that their species can still be determined.

New sturgeon regulations establish a new method of measuring sturgeon and a new size limit of 40-60 inches. Barbless hooks are also required when fishing for sturgeon and snares are prohibited. Sturgeon longer than 65 inches fork length may not be removed from the water.

Interestingly, spear fishing for striped bass will now be allowed in the Valley District (mostly the Delta), and all of Black Butte Reservoir is now open for spear fishing. Anglers will also be allowed to keep hatchery-marked trout and hatchery-marked steelhead in most areas that have been catch and release only previously. Anglers who journey up to Iron Gate Reservoir and the handful of other lakes holding yellow perch, will find that the bag limit has been removed on this species, and you can keep as many as you want.

Additionally, Jan. 1 saw the elimination of the long-standing "slot limit" for black bass species on Lake Oroville. The rules for Oroville have been brought into line with the rest of the state, with the regs now being a basic 12-inch minimum size limit on all black bass species (largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, Florida-strain largemouth bass, spotted bass, and associated hybrids).

Dobyns seminar

Local bass anglers have a rare opportunity next week to hear one of the most successful pros in the history of Northern California dish out many of his secrets. The western region's all-time leading money winner, Gary Dobyns, along with his son Richard Dobyns, will conduct a seminar from 6:30-8:30 p.m. March 20 at the Paradise Elk's Lodge, 6309 Clark Road in Paradise.

The elder Dobyns is the holder of 26 "Angler of the Year" titles, and has won 40 boats in competition. Among his more than 80 tournament fishing victories was the 2009 U.S. Open. The younger Dobyns earned the "Western Everstart Angler of the Year" title in 2011.

Presented by the Paradise Bass Club, tickets are $3 per person, with children younger than 16 free. For tickets or more information, call 533-8182.

Paradise Bass Club

The Paradise Bass Club held its monthly tournament at Bullard's Bar Reservoir, reported club Tournament Director Robbie Merwin.

Fishing was tough, with post-frontal conditions and bluebird skies. The group had eight teams competing, and a self-imposed new 13-inch minimum size limit for bass. As such, only six bass made it to the scales, although most of the teams reported catching a lot of small undersize fish. The winning fish were caught on wacky-rigged Senkos, with the few other fish caught on tubes. Final standings: Tom Merino/James Shipps, 4.8 pounds total; Brent Foster/Dennis Helms, 2.6; Jason Bubier/Alison Bubier, 1.6; Big Fish, Merino/Shipps, 2.8.

NWTF banquet

The Chico chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation will hold its annual fundraising banquet at 5:30 p.m. on April 12, at The Palms restaurant, 2947 Nord Avenue, Chico. A great assortment of raffle and auction prizes will be available, including wildlife-themed art, hunting equipment, and collector-quality guns. Tickets are $65 single, $100 couple, $35 youth. Early birds who purchase tickets by April 6 get into a special raffle. For tickets or more information, call 966-3396.